Intravitreal Injections Specialist

Mile High Retina: Mark E. Patron, MD

Board Certified Ophthalmologist & Retina Surgeon located in Denver, Colorado

Skilled ophthalmologists administer more than 6 million intravitreal injections annually in the United States. Intravitreal injections are one of the most effective treatments for several serious eye conditions, including macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion. At Mile High Retina located in Denver, Colorado, board-certified ophthalmologist and retina surgeon Mark E. Patron, MD, is an expert in intravitreal injections. Dr. Patron uses a speculum-free technique to make injections more pleasant and comfortable. Call the office today.

303-691-8120

Intravitreal Injections Q & A

What are intravitreal injections?

Intravitreal injections are inner-eye injections that Dr. Patron administers at Mile High Retina. These injections go into the vitreous, the gel-like substance near the retina that fills the back of your eye.

There are several types of intravitreal injections, but the most common type of intravitreal injection is anti-VEGF medication. Dr. Patron administers anti-VEGF drugs including Eylea®, Lucentis®, and Avastin®.

Anti-VEGF drugs work within your eye to prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels and stop leakage associated with diseases like diabetic retinopathy and wet age-related macular degeneration.

Other types of intravitreal injections include steroids, anti-bacterials, anti-virals, and anti-fungals.

Why would I need intravitreal injections?

There are several reasons why you might need an intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs, including retinal conditions such as:

Wet age-related macular degeneration
Macular edema
Diabetic retinopathy
Retinal vascular disease (retinal vein occlusion)

Injections of Eylea®, Lucentis®, or Avastin® can slow down vision loss if you have a retina disease that is affecting your eyesight.

What can I expect during intravitreal injections?

Dr. Patron administers a topical anesthetic to numb your eye. He cleans your eye and eyelid with an antiseptic solution to destroy bacteria in the treatment area. Dr. Patron then uses a special technique to administer injections.

While many doctors use an eyelid speculum, Dr. Patron recognizes that injections are far more comfortable without a speculum. He asks you to look in a specific direction, then uses a small needle to deliver your injection through the sclera, the white part of your eye.

Thanks to the anesthesia, the ultra-fine needle, and Dr. Patron’s speculum-free approach, intravitreal injections can be virtually painless.

How often do I need intravitreal injections?

The frequency depends on the disease being treated. In general, medications wear off in a month or two.

If you have a chronic disease like wet age-related macular degeneration, regularly scheduled injections are the best way to stabilize your disease and prevent further vision loss.

Dr. Patron takes the time to truly understand your eye disease, vision problems, and eye health challenges so he can personalize the ideal intravitreal injection plan for your needs.

Mile High Retina offers painless intravitreal injections to help you preserve your eyesight in the most effective way. Call the office today.

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